Dubai launches major upgrade of Al Wasl Rd, Umm Suqeim St, Al Qudra Corridor

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has unveiled a major infrastructure development project covering Al Wasl Road, Umm Suqeim Street, and the Al Qudra corridor, aimed at reducing travel times and significantly increasing road capacity across key urban areas of the city.

The development spans 15 km along Al Wasl Road, from the intersection with Umm Suqeim Street to the junction with 2nd December Street. It includes the upgrade of six intersections and the construction of five tunnels totalling 3,850 metres.

The road will be widened from two to three lanes in each direction, which is expected to reduce travel times by 50 per cent and increase capacity from 8,000 to 12,000 vehicles per hour in both directions.

“Al Wasl Road Development Project forms part of a master plan developed by the RTA to upgrade the road network in the area, which also includes enhancements to Umm Suqeim and Al Safa Streets,” said Mattar Al Tayer, DG and chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the RTA. “These projects are designed with a focus on creative and aesthetic elements, incorporating pedestrian walkways, cycling tracks, boulevards, and vibrant urban public spaces.”

Read: RTA launches major upgrade of Umm Suqeim St to boost traffic flow

Al Wasl project: Tunnels and intersection upgrades

The Al Wasl Road project includes upgrades to intersections at Al Thanya, Al Manara, Umm Al Sheif, Umm Amara, Al Orouba, and Al Safa Streets.

A three-lane unidirectional tunnel will be built at the Al Manara intersection, branching into two routes with a combined capacity of 4,500 vehicles per hour.

A two-lane tunnel on Umm Al Sheif Street, spanning 750 metres, will accommodate 3,200 vehicles per hour.

A 700-metre tunnel at Umm Amara Street will feature two lanes in each direction with a total capacity of 6,400 vehicles per hour.

A unidirectional, two-lane tunnel at Al Orouba Street will head toward Jumeirah Street, while a 750-metre tunnel at Al Safa Street will serve two-way traffic, each with a capacity of 6,400 vehicles per hour.

The Al Satwa roundabout will be converted into a signalised junction, and surface-level enhancements will be implemented at five intersections along Jumeirah Street.

Expanding the corridor

The Al Wasl Road initiative complements a broader RTA plan to upgrade Umm Suqeim Street from Jumeirah Street to Al Khail Road, boosting capacity from 12,000 to 16,000 vehicles per hour. Travel times are expected to drop from 20 minutes to six minutes. The area serves over two million residents.

The upgrade includes six intersections and will involve four bridges and three tunnels totalling 4,100 metres.

Key features include a tunnel with two lanes in each direction at the intersection with Jumeirah Street, and a tunnel at Al Wasl Road for traffic from Sheikh Zayed Road to Jumeirah Street.

Two bridges at Sheikh Zayed Road will eliminate traffic weaving, and a tunnel at First Al Khail Road will aid traffic from Al Barsha towards Sheikh Zayed Road.

An extra lane will be added between First Al Khail and Al Asayel Street, while two elevated ramps will facilitate access to Al Khail Road and the Al Quoz Industrial Area.

Al Qudra Road upgrades

RTA is also progressing with upgrades from Al Khail Road to Emirates Road via Umm Suqeim Street and Al Qudra Road. A key feature is an 800-metre tunnel at Al Barsha South with four lanes in each direction.

Al Qudra Road itself will be upgraded along an 11.6 km stretch, including several intersections and bridges totalling 2,700 metres. Travel times along this section are expected to fall from 9.4 minutes to 2.8 minutes.

“These projects form a blueprint for smart and sustainable mobility in Dubai,” said Al Tayer, noting that the areas covered are among Dubai’s most vibrant, home to beaches, hotels, restaurants, and residential communities.